Solarific Bread Pudding

* 2 cups milk or half & half * 3 eggs, beaten
* 1/3 cup sugar * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 4 slices white bread (or stale french or other breads) 2 cups
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon * dash nutmeg * 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips, optional

In a bowl, combine eggs, sugar, salt, milk and vanilla . .stir well.

Place bread slices in a buttered baking dish, (sprinkle raisins over bread, if used), about 2-quart size. Pour the milk mixture over bread. Combine cinnamon and nutmeg; sprinkle over pudding mixture. Bake, uncovered,in a preheated oven at approx 300° for about 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm with vanilla sauce or other dessert sauce, if desired.